Wanda Durant, affectionately known as ‘Mama Durant,’ reflected on the profound impact her son Kevin Durant’s ‘The Real MVP’ speech has had on her life as she spoke to The Athletic’s Jason Jones.
“It catapulted me, to be quite honest. I was not expecting that outcome. It’s given me a platform that I did not expect, that I’m grateful for. Even to this day, it still warms my heart.”
“I’ll say probably eight out of 10 people that recognize me as his mom always mention the speech and how much it resonated with them because it reminds them of their journey and their mom. It’s surprising and somewhat surreal that it still has the impact today that it had 10 years ago.”
“I said, ‘That’s Edwards.’ Sometimes players call me Ma Dukes. He said, ‘Ma Dukes, I know who you are,’ and I’m like, wow. Even the younger players, because they have seen the interaction that Kevin and I have had over the years, they recognize me, as well.”
“There’s always love, respect and honor given to me, and I’m so very grateful for it. I don’t take it lightly, I hold it dear to my heart, and I’m somewhat overwhelmed even thinking about it… When someone calls you ‘Mama,’ that means something.”
In her heartfelt recounting, she described how the speech unexpectedly catapulted her into a platform of influence and recognition she never anticipated. Kevin’s tribute to her not only touched the hearts of millions but also provided her with a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility.
Even a decade after Kevin Durant’s iconic speech, Wanda continues to be approached by people who recognize her as Kevin’s mother, often mentioning the speech and its lasting resonance. The recognition extends beyond basketball circles, with individuals of all ages expressing their admiration and gratitude for her role in Kevin’s journey.
Wanda’s newfound prominence extends to the NBA community, where players, both seasoned veterans and rookies alike, acknowledge her with respect and honor. She recounted instances where even younger players, who grew up witnessing her bond with Kevin, recognized and addressed her with reverence, leaving her pleasantly surprised.
The speech not only elevated Wanda’s visibility but also provided her with a platform to inspire and motivate others. As a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she uses her voice to advocate for underserved communities and shares parenting strategies gleaned from her experiences raising Kevin and his brother.
For Wanda, being referred to as ‘Mama Durant’ signifies more than just a title; it symbolizes a level of accountability and responsibility she holds dear. She approaches her role with humility and gratitude, mindful of the impact her words and actions have on others.
It's an NBA family 🫶
LeBron embraces Wanda Durant. pic.twitter.com/booU1hfcju
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2023
Despite the passage of time, the significance of Kevin’s speech remains undiminished. Its timeless message of love, gratitude, and resilience continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. Through her ongoing philanthropic endeavors and speaking engagements, Wanda strives to honor the legacy of Kevin’s speech by spreading positivity and making a difference in the lives of others.
As she reflects on her journey, Wanda remains deeply appreciative of the unexpected path her son’s speech set her on. Embracing her role as ‘Mama Durant,’ she embraces the responsibility it entails and cherishes the love and respect it brings from fans and admirers like.
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